External power outage briefly hits Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant

An external power outage temporarily affected the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in southern Ukraine after automatic protection systems disconnected the 330-kV “Ferrosplavna-1” transmission line, while the second line, “Dniprovska,” has remained out of service since March 24, 2026.

The plant confirmed that following the loss of external electricity supply, its internal safety systems were powered by backup diesel generators. Officials said all generators were started on schedule and continued to operate normally, ensuring stable functioning of essential safety systems, Caliber.Az reports.

Plant authorities stated that all technical systems remained in a safe condition throughout the incident, with personnel continuously monitoring operating parameters. They also reported no violations of safety limits or safety conditions.

Radiation levels at the site, within the sanitary protection zone, and in surrounding monitoring areas were said to remain within natural background levels.

At the same time, Yevgeny Balitsky, the Russian-installed governor of occupied parts of Zaporizhzhia region, said that an energy infrastructure facility in the southern part of the region had been struck, causing equipment damage and noting continued drone activity in the area. He added that emergency services and energy workers were working to stabilize the situation.

Later, the Zaporizhzhia NPP reported that external power supply had been restored via the “Ferrosplavna-1” line to the extent necessary for the plant’s operations, bringing the situation back under control.

By Sabina Mammadli